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Ravi Shastri features in Star Sports promo ahead of Ind-SA test series
Mumbai: Star Sports has launched a promo featuring Ravi Shastri ahead of the three-match test series between India and South Africa starting on 26 December at 1.30 p.m.
Titled #FirstKaThirst, the campaign film is created and conceptualised by the in-house team at Star India. It highlights the many firsts that team India has achieved in the Rainbow Nation. The broadcaster is driving the narrative that team India is prepared to go one step further and achieve the best test series result yet in South Africa.
In 1992, India played its first-ever test match against South Africa in Durban, while under Rahul Dravid, now head coach, the team won its first test in 2006. In the last India tour, the visiting team had secured their first ODI series win in over 25 years since India started touring from 1992 onwards.
“The Indian Cricket team has had a remarkable run in test cricket, remaining dominant at home and registering wins all over the world,” said Star and Disney India head – sports Sanjog Gupta. “However, a first-ever series win in South Africa has remained elusive. #FirstKaThirst is a call to action for Indian fans, who desire to see this Indian team create history by triumphing in South Africa and is a continuing chapter of our #BelieveinBlue narrative. The series also assumes historic significance as it marks 30 years of Cricket between India and South Africa adding to the sense of occasion for this marquee series.”
“There couldn’t have been a better time for team India to prove their mettle,” said former Team India coach Ravi Shastri. “Virat has been an impeccable leader and has got a talented team to go along with it. South Africa remains an unconquered bastion. Remember, the Proteas are no pushovers in their own backyard, but we have got the firepower and the arsenal to match that. As always, Team India will always have my backing.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
